JACKSON, MI – Consumers Energy is warning its customers about a phone scam that demands they pay their bill over the phone using a Green Dot prepaid credit card.

Reports of the scam have come from customers in Genesee County and the Grand Rapids area from callers who claim to represent Consumers Energy.

A typical scenario involves a caller demanding for a Consumer Energy bill payment to be made within an hour and telling the customer to buy a Green Dot prepaid credit card from a drug or food store. Customers are then instructed to call a toll-free number to pay the bills with these cards.

“Consumers Energy never demands payment using only a Green Dot card,” Michael Williams, the utility’s director of corporate security, said in a statement. “Customers who are bullied into paying by these imposters will lose their money. We urge customers to be alert to this scam, and never pay over the phone using a Green Dot card. Customers should never give money or personal information over the phone to anyone they do not know.”

Those who believe they have been a victim of this scam or have concerns should call Consumers Energy at (800) 477-5050. Visit www.consumersenergy.com/waystopay to find ways to pay for customers’ utility bills.